From Super Mario Brothers to Mortal Kombat to Grand Theft Auto ... we Americans (and our kids) have a serious video game addiction, don't we? VGs nowadays offer plenty of chances to blow something away, see? But the lab boys across the pond just finished a survey that says players know the difference between video game violence and the real thing. The $100 word they used is "exhilarating escapism". That may be the case with most joes and jills, but not all.

Some spineless parents out there will read that story and think it means they don't have to police their kids and lose brownie points when it comes to the PlayStation or the Xbox. That ain't the case ... you need to be in charge. Be big enough to stand up to the small ones. Turn off the games and open a book. Love 'em enough to discipline them when they need it. Teach them about doing the hard work, about the monthly budget, and about staying on the straight and narrow. Need advice? Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show.